- A – Cutting the Plywood. For 2cm granite, we need to reinforce our countertops with 0.75 inch plywood. ...
- B – Attach the Reinforcing Plywood to the Countertop. After the plywood is trimmed to match your countertop template, it’s time to attach the plywood to the countertops by drilling ...
- C – Add a Waterproof Membrane. After drilling and screwing the reinforcing plywood to your countertops, you need to add a waterproof membrane to the top of the cabinets.
How do I install a granite countertop over a wood cabinet?
Before you install a granite countertop, you'll need to cut a piece of plywood to the same size as the granite and screw the plywood to the top of your cabinet to reinforce it. Next, move your granite countertop into position and draw lines to indicate any cuts you need to make. Then, you'll want to trim the edges of the granite with a wet saw ...
How do you reinforce a kitchen countertop?
Cut a piece of 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) plywood to reinforce the top of your cabinets. Purchase a large piece of plywood that is the same measurements as your countertop template. Lay it on top of your countertop and push it flush against the wall, then measure it again, marking any parts that need to be trimmed.
How to seal a granite countertop?
Somewhere inconspicuous, like in a corner of the counter, put a few drops of water on top, and a few inches away, put a few drops of oil. After 15 minutes, check to see if the water or oil has seeped in and darkened the granite. If so, proceed with these instructions for how to seal a granite countertop.
What is the best way to cut granite countertops?
Use a handheld wet circular saw to cut the granite slab as needed. A wet saw is the best choice to cut granite because it cuts down on the large amount of dust that would otherwise be created. Attach the small saw to a garden hose as indicated in the manufacturer's instruction manual.
How do you support a granite countertop?
To be on the safe side, support the stone wire mesh or plywood as well as with corbels or brackets placed at equidistant intervals along the width of the bar top. Put them closer together if you have 2-cm granite slabs for your bar top. Your overhang should not exceed 24 inches.
How far can granite span without support?
According to the Marble Institute of America, you can safely overhang granite that is 1 ¼ inches thick up to 10 inches without support. However, the cantilevered portion cannot be more than one-third the total width of the countertop.
Do you have to reinforce cabinets for granite?
Do I need to reinforce my cabinets for granite installation? No. Granite is heavy, typically weighing between 16 to 17 lbs. per square foot.
How do you keep granite from cracking?
Just like a hard hit, placing a lot of weight on the countertop could also lead to a crack. Be mindful of any excessive weight you place on your stone surface. If your kitchen countertop design features a bar or island with an overhang, we add braces and corbels to give an extra layer of protection against cracks.
How much weight will granite hold?
You must be thinking about standing or sitting on your countertops and unsure whether your countertops will take the weight, right? Granite is fairly thick, often at the very least ¾ of an inch. If the weight is evenly distributed over a large area, the countertops can hold up to 1000 pounds.
Do I need plywood under granite countertop?
When installing granite countertops, you will not need an underlayment of plywood if the granite has a thickness of 3 centimeters (about 1 1/4 inches). However, for granite with a thickness of 2 centimeters (about 3/4 inches), you will definitely need to use plywood for support.
Can granite be too heavy for cabinets?
Will my cabinets support granite counters? The weight of the granite is spread over a large area and should pose no problem. Cabinets seldom need reinforcement to support granite counter tops.
How do you secure granite countertops to cabinets?
Attach to the Cabinets Place a bead of caulk on the plywood to secure the countertop in place. Add more caulk on top of the sink rim to waterproof the gap between the sink and the countertop. Get someone to help you lift the granite slab and lower it gently on the kitchen cabinets.
How level do cabinets need to be for granite countertops?
Typically, Granite companies will install your counters if the level is within 1/4", or twice the specified level variance. Most will even complete your install if that number is up to 1/2" and may not even notify you of the difficulty or possible repercussions.
Is it common for granite countertops to crack?
Cracks in granite are more common than you think! Typically, cracks occur in granite or stone countertops as a result of stress during handling, fabrication, transportation or installation of the countertop.
Can cracks in granite be fixed?
Cracks and Breaks on granite can't really be fixed, what can actually be done is filling the cracks with epoxy or acrylic so that they don't show. If it's a broken piece of granite you want to mend, again, epoxy can be used to glue it together.
What are the disadvantages of granite?
Cons for Granite Countertops Granite countertops are strong and durable as long as it receives sealing each year. If homeowners are lax in their maintenance, the porous granite can suck up oils, juice, and wine, which will be impossible to remove. Bacteria can also harbor inside granite if not sealed properly.
How much support does a granite worktop need?
When installing a stone surface as a freestanding table top or where a larger overhang, the base must fully support the weight of the stone table top. All edges should be arrised to 3mm top and bottom to reduce the risk of damage from chairs etc.
How easily does granite crack?
Although, granite is naturally heat resistant, having been formed through heat, constant exposure to heat over extended periods can weaken the stone leading to cracks. The damage is extensive, especially if the stone is cold at the time of heat exposure, and the difference in temperatures is large.
How far can a quartz countertop span without support?
But as we already mentioned, a quartz countertop can only span for up to 24 inches without support. If your kitchen space allows and you need a more extended countertop, you will need to use support. With support on both ends of the span, you can easily increase the span limit to 36 inches.
How far can a laminate countertop span without support?
Unsupported. Up to 6 inches of overhang can be added to countertops without bracing if the particleboard or plywood is doubled underneath the overhang. This is often done on the ends of island cabinets or sometimes along one edge to allow for people to stand or eat from one side of the cabinet.
Stones That Benefit From Reinforcement
In stone farication and working with kitchen countertops in general, reinforcing the coutnertop material is a practice used to ensure the material is resistant to cracking that may arise from the house settling. Additionally, support brackets are used to reinforce overhangs so that weight on an edge does not break the stone.
Why Reinforcing Stone Countertops Is Needed
If stone countertops are fashioned from solid rock, why do they need to be reinforced? Stone slabs are durable aren't they? The answer is yes. Natural stone is very durable. When you think about it, these materials have held up for millennia.
Techniques for Reinforcing Stone Countertops
Now that we have considered why countertops need reinforced, we can delve into the various methods for adding strength to potentially volatile portions of a countertop.
What to do when it rains on a countertop?
Open nearby windows and doors for ventilation. If it’s raining, do not open windows that could allow rain to hit the countertop; instead, open windows in other areas of the room or in adjacent rooms.
How long does it take for granite to cure?
If the product you use requires one coat, allow it cure, which can take between two and 48 hours. Nonetheless, granite experts recommend waiting a full 48 hours before wiping a newly sealed granite countertop with anything wet.
How to clean a countertop before sealing?
First, take everything off the counter and wipe it down well with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove all surface dust. Then, mix one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and two tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol in a pint spray bottle and fill with cool water. Generously spray the countertop and wipe clean while polishing in a circular motion, using a microfiber cloth. Wait 24 hours before proceeding: The space occupied by the cleaning agent is the same space that the sealant will penetrate, so you must ensure that the cleaning liquid has fully evaporated.
How much does a quart of aliphatic resin cost?
A quart of fluorocarbon aliphatic resin sealant costs about $35 and offers between 150 to 250 square feet of coverage, depending on brand. A 24-oz spray bottle of lesser solvent runs around $15 ...
How long to wait to clean a countertop?
Generously spray the countertop and wipe clean while polishing in a circular motion, using a microfiber cloth. Wait 24 hours before proceeding: The space occupied by the cleaning agent is the same space that the sealant will penetrate, so you must ensure that the cleaning liquid has fully evaporated.
How to test sealant on kitchen cabinets?
Put on rubber gloves and grab the rags. In an area usually covered by a small appliance, test the sealant to ensure it won’t affect the finish. Apply a small amount per manufacturer’s directions, by spraying or pouring onto a cloth and then rubbing it evenly over the test area.
Do you need to seal granite countertops?
If you’ve got a gorgeous granite countertop and want to keep it in “show home” shape, you may need to seal it. Some countertops come pre-sealed, but if yours did not (or you’re not sure) don’t delay giving it the shield it needs. Improper cleaning, neglected spills, and other issues of everyday use could easily mar the surface otherwise. The proper penetrating (or impregnating) sealer will soak into the granite, filling the porous gaps, to keep damage at bay. True, a sealant only buys you time—unattended spills will seep into sealed granite eventually —but the right one and the following steps for how to seal a granite countertop will certainly help protect your investment.
What is right on bracket?
Right On Bracket makes heavy-duty countertop brackets that lend support to your countertops while preventing bending or breaking. The last thing you want is your new counters to be unstable. When deciding how to update and reinforce your old kitchen countertops, the most important thing is to take care and adhere to proper safety precautions.
Do you need to reinforce countertops?
Regardless of how you choose to freshen up your countertops, they always need to be reinforced. Some may find that their countertops have never really been secure on top of their cabinets, but when backed up to walls, installers may leave much to be desired. Additionally, you should check the brackets and add weight to countertops to reinforce them. Right On Bracket makes heavy-duty countertop brackets that lend support to your countertops while preventing bending or breaking. The last thing you want is your new counters to be unstable.
Where is granite cut?
Most granite cutting takes place at the quarry, but some will probably have to be done at the installation site. It's essential that the proper equipment is used. To shape the dense material, a standard household skill saw needs to be upgraded with a diamond cutting blade.
Can you cut strips off a drop in sink?
This way you can cut away the thin strips in front and back of the drop in sink as it is difficult to remove the top without breaking them. They are also much nicer sinks as far as I’m concerned.
Can you rip out cabinets and replace them with counters?
It would be a major pain in the neck to rip out the cabinets and replace them with the counters in place. If this is absolutely necessary I agree with the recommendation to do this one at a time if possible. Supporting the counter in place may be tricky or even dangerous depending on the circumstances.
Can you remove a sleeve from a cabinet?
It may be fairly easily removed (aside from the heavy lifting) if it wasn’t bonded to the cabinets below. This is often the case since gravity holds it in place quite well.
Can you cut foodstuffs on a countertop?
If you want to cut foodstuff, go ahead, just ensure that the countertop is clean.
What to do if granite slab is not the size you ordered?
If the granite slab is not the size or type that you ordered, contact the vendor immediately to arrange a return.
How to clean granite after cutting?
Run a clean wet cloth over the granite after cutting and smoothing it to remove dust, dirt, and debris from the surface.
How long should an overhang be on a granite countertop?
Decide what size of overhang you want and add it to your template. The standard overhang on a granite countertop is 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) beyond the face of the cabinets below. Avoid choosing an overhang longer than 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) , which will require the installation of steel braces to support it. Adjust your template to add the additional measurement for the overhang. [4]
How to make rounded corners on granite?
You can use this tool to make rounded corners on your granite countertop if you wish. Run a clean wet cloth over the granite after cutting and smoothing it to remove dust, dirt, and debris from the surface.
How to smooth granite slab?
Use a wet grinding wheel to smooth the edges of the granite slab. Attach your wet grinding wheel tool to your garden hose as indicated by the manufacturer. Turn on the grinder and position the round part of the tool next to the edge of the granite you want to smooth.
How to make a countertop with cardboard?
1. Use kraft paper or cardboard to create a template of the countertop. Lay a large piece of kraft paper or cardboard on top of your cabinet. Trace the countertop and cut away any excess paper or cardboard to make an exact template of the surface.
What colors does granite come in?
Granite comes in colors ranging from blue, black, brown, deep red, and vibrant white.
When reinforcing cabinets, what should you do?
When reinforcing the cabinets, consider dressing them up with new hardware or doors and drawer-fronts rather than replacing the existing ones. If it has been necessary to remove the doors, hinges and catches to gain access to the points that needed reinforcing, half the job of fitting new flourishes has already been done.
What to do if cabinets are supported on flimsy legs?
If the cabinets are supported on flimsy legs, this foundation can be a strategic weak point. Replace the legs entirely with heavy-duty aftermarket parts or with solid blocks of pressure-treated wood if future adjustment will not be necessary.
Can you replace cabinets with carcass?
It is seldom practical to replace the sides and backs of cabinets that are already fitted in place, so internal framing -- called a carcass -- can be used as a reinforcing structure. A thick plywood sub-top fitted over the cabinets before new countertops are laid can help distribute weight evenly over a large area.
Can you use angled iron hardware inside cabinets?
Alternately, angled iron hardware can be used inside cabinets for a discrete but sturdy reinforcing job. Advertisement. If the cabinets are supported on flimsy legs, this foundation can be a strategic weak point.
Can granite countertops be weighty?
New countertops can be very weighty in and of themselves if they are made of a dense material, such as granite. The moving parts -- hinges and door catches, for example -- may wear out before the cabinetry itself, or the fastener points can become loose and need reinforcement. Advertisement.
How long does it take to install a plywood sub counter?
We always install a plywood sub-counter (as we always do drop-edge counters), but the main advantage in my view is it allows the client's kitchen to be "in service" for the entire duration of the counter fabrication period, rather than having to wait for the counter to be fabricated and installed (which typically takes two weeks or longer). With plywood, you can install and connect the sink and faucet right away.
Can you put natural stone over plywood?
Here in CA most natural stones get installed over plywood to allow for a built up edge treatment. The 20 year old kitchen we ripped out had plywood under the granite and the kitchen we installed last year has plywood under the quartzite.
Do you need plywood under granite?
I am a fabricator. Standard practice does not require a plywood substrate under the granite or quartz. The material has adequate mechanical integrity. A substrate is required if the countertop is to have a drop edge unless the cabinets have been manufactured specifically to accommodate the drop edge.
